US20190301643A1 - Reinforcement assembly for a bracket of a spent fuel pool - Google Patents
Reinforcement assembly for a bracket of a spent fuel pool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190301643A1 US20190301643A1 US15/944,266 US201815944266A US2019301643A1 US 20190301643 A1 US20190301643 A1 US 20190301643A1 US 201815944266 A US201815944266 A US 201815944266A US 2019301643 A1 US2019301643 A1 US 2019301643A1
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- pair
- reinforcement assembly
- base structure
- slots
- clamps
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- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 122
- 239000002915 spent fuel radioactive waste Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 50
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000013598 vector Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
- F16L3/222—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals having single supports directly connected together
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
- G21C19/02—Details of handling arrangements
- G21C19/06—Magazines for holding fuel elements or control elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/10—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/10—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/1075—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing with two members, the two members being joined with a hinge on one side and fastened together on the other side
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/10—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/1091—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing with two members, the two members being fixed to each other with fastening members on each side
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
- F16L3/237—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for two pipes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C13/00—Pressure vessels; Containment vessels; Containment in general
- G21C13/02—Details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
- F16L2201/40—Special arrangements for pipe couplings for special environments
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to arrangements configured to reinforce structures of a nuclear reactor.
- a reinforcement assembly may be provided for a bracket configured to constrain a cooling pipe of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor.
- the reinforcement assembly includes a base structure defining a pair of back slots, a pair of angled slots, a pair of side slots, and/or a pair of front slots.
- a pair of back boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of back slots of the base structure.
- a pair of pipe boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of angled slots of the base structure.
- a pair of side clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of side slots of the base structure.
- Each of the pair of side clamps may define a vertical slot.
- a pair of vertical clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the vertical slot of each of the pair of side clamps.
- a pair of front clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of front slots of the base structure.
- the base structure may be configured to cover the bracket.
- the base structure may be a monolithic component.
- the one or more of the pair of back slots, the pair of angled slots, the pair of side slots, the pair of front slots, and the vertical slot may include a portion in a form of a T-slot.
- the pair of back boss structures may be configured to move away from each other to contact the bracket.
- Each of the pair of back boss structures may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm.
- the pair of pipe boss structures may be configured to protrude inward from the base structure and toward each other.
- Each of the pair of pipe boss structures may have a slidable range of ⁇ 17.5 mm.
- the pair of side clamps may be configured to move toward each other to contact the bracket.
- Each of the pair of side clamps may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm.
- the pair of vertical clamps may be configured to move toward the base structure so as to contact a bottom surface of the bracket.
- Each of the pair of vertical clamps may have a slidable range of ⁇ 8.5 mm.
- the pair of front clamps may be configured to move into the base structure and toward the pair of back slots so as to contact the bracket.
- Each of the pair of front clamps may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm.
- the reinforcement assembly may further include at least one spacer configured to engage with at least one of the pair of back boss structures.
- the at least one spacer may be configured to be pressed against the bracket by the pair of back boss structures.
- the at least one spacer is configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of the bracket to reduce torsional shear stress.
- the at least one spacer may be in a form of two spacers. Alternatively, the at least one spacer may be in a form of a single spacer.
- the reinforcement assembly may further include a linkage structure connected to the base structure and a swing gate connected to the linkage structure.
- the swing gate may be configured to hold and stabilize a probe pipe relative to the cooling pipe.
- FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor including a cooling pipe, a probe pipe, and a plurality of brackets according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of one of the plurality of brackets of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a reinforcement assembly for the bracket of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is another upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 8 is another lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 8 without the cooling pipe, the probe pipe, and the bracket.
- FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the vectors acting on the bracket and the cooling pipe by the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 without the linkage structure and the swing gate.
- FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the base structure of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 is another upper perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18 is another lower perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a plan view of the base structure of FIG. 15 with hidden lines corresponding to the slots and bolt holes defined therein.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 without the base structure and the spacers.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a spacer of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pipe boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 24 is a side view of a bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement for retaining a bolt with a pin according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a side clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the side clamp of FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vertical clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the vertical clamp of FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 30 is a side view of the vertical clamp of FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 31 is a side view of another bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a side clamp, vertical clamp, and corresponding bolts arrangement of the components of the reinforcement assembly FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a back boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the back boss structure of FIG. 33 .
- FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the back boss structure of FIG. 34 .
- FIG. 36 is a side view of the back boss structure of FIG. 35 .
- FIG. 37 is a side view of an engagement of a back boss structure with a spacer of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a front clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the front clamp of FIG. 38 .
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the linkage structure of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the linkage structure of FIG. 40 .
- FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the linkage structure of FIG. 41 .
- FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the swing gate of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the gate base of the swing gate of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the gate latch of the swing gate of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a base structure and spacer according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 46 .
- FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 46 with hidden lines.
- first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
- spatially relative terms e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like
- the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below.
- the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
- FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor including a cooling pipe, a probe pipe, and a plurality of brackets according to an example embodiment.
- a spent fuel pool 1000 includes, inter alia, a cooling pipe 300 and a probe 400 adjacent to the cooling pipe 300 .
- the probe 400 may be a water level and temperature probe.
- the cooling pipe 300 includes a vertical (riser) portion between two horizontal portions. The two horizontal portions of the cooling pipe 300 may extend in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling pipe 300 is constrained to a liner 100 of a wall (e.g., south wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000 by a plurality of brackets 200 .
- the brackets 200 constraining the vertical (riser) portion of the cooling pipe 300 may be different from the brackets 200 constraining the horizontal portions.
- another cooling pipe 300 may be constrained to an opposing wall (e.g., north wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000 .
- the probe 400 is paired with one of the cooling pipes 300 (e.g., on the south wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000 .
- FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of one of the plurality of brackets of FIG. 1 .
- the bracket 200 is configured to constrain the cooling pipe 300 and includes a center angle 210 secured (e.g., welded) between a first side angle 220 (e.g., right angle) and a second side angle 230 (e.g., left angle).
- the center angle 210 , first side angle 220 , and second side angle 230 may have dimensions (width ⁇ height ⁇ thickness) of 100 mm ⁇ 100 mm ⁇ 10 mm, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the first side angle 220 is reinforced by a first gusset 240 .
- the second side angle 230 is reinforced with a second gusset 250 .
- a U-bracket section 270 is secured to the center angle 210 .
- FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 2 .
- the center angle 210 is reinforced with a third gusset 260 .
- the combination of the center angle 210 , the first side angle 220 , the second side angle 230 , the first gusset 240 , the second gusset 250 , and the third gusset 260 may be referred to as an H-bracket section.
- the bracket 200 may be regarded as having an H-bracket section and a U-bracket section 270 .
- FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a reinforcement assembly for the bracket of FIG. 2 .
- a reinforcement assembly 500 is configured for installation in the spent fuel pool 1000 to reinforce or strengthen at least one of the brackets 200 .
- a reinforcement assembly 500 may be provided for each of the two brackets 200 that constrain the vertical (riser) portion of the cooling pipe 300 , although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the reinforcement assembly 500 has a design that allows for remote installation (e.g., via chain hoist and without the use of divers). By reinforcing the bracket 200 , the reinforcement assembly 500 helps to constrain the cooling pipe 300 while optionally also stabilizing the probe 400 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 is described generally below and is followed by more detailed discussions in subsequent sections.
- the reinforcement assembly 500 includes a base structure 510 defining a plurality of slots.
- a plurality of boss structures and clamps are slidably engaged with the plurality of slots in the base structure 510 so as to provide the reinforcement assembly 500 with a desirable level of adjustability with regard to the interaction with and resulting reinforcement of the bracket 200 .
- the plurality of boss structures and clamps of the reinforcement assembly 500 include, inter alia, side clamps 550 and front clamps 570 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 may additionally include a linkage structure 580 connected to the base structure 510 and a swing gate connected to the linkage structure 580 .
- the swing gate includes a gate base 591 and a gate latch 597 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 is installed in a spent fuel pool 1000 to reinforce a bracket 200 (e.g., existing bracket)
- the swing gate allows the probe 400 to be subsequently installed in a horizontal manner in the spent fuel pool 1000 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 may include spacers 530 when the linkage structure 580 and swing gate are provided to stabilize the probe 400 .
- FIG. 5 is another upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 includes back boss structures 520 configured to interact with the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the spacers 530 are configured to interact with both the center angle 210 and the back boss structures 520 .
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 includes pipe boss structures 540 configured to interact with the cooling pipe 300 .
- the cooling pipe 300 is constrained by the center angle 210 and the U-bracket section 270 of the bracket 200 while also being constrained by the pipe boss structures 540 (e.g., 1.6 mm radial gap).
- the side clamps 550 of the reinforcement assembly 500 are configured to interact with the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 is configured to withstand at least 44-50 kN of tangential force and at least 28-34 kN of normal force with regard to the cooling pipe 300 .
- the swing gate is configured such that the gate base 591 and the gate latch 597 define an inner circumference that coincides relatively closely with the outer circumference of the probe 400 so as to provide a relatively close fit (e.g., 1.6 mm radial gap) for the probe 400 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 is configured to withstand at least 33-39 kN of tangential force and at least 26-32 kN of normal force with regard to the probe 400 .
- FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 4 .
- the base structure 510 is dimensioned such that the reinforcement assembly 500 can be situated on the bracket 200 without the U-bracket section 270 interfering with the linkage structure 580 .
- the pipe boss structures 540 are between the base structure 510 and the U-bracket section 270 when the reinforcement assembly 500 is installed on the bracket 200 .
- the pair of front clamps 570 are configured to move into the base structure 510 to interact with the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the front clamps 570 may press against the L-shaped ends of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- FIG. 8 is another lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 7 .
- the spacers 530 are positioned on the center angle 210 so as to be on both sides of the third gusset 260 .
- the spacers 530 contact both the undersurface of the horizontal portion of the center angle 210 and the rear side surface of the vertical portion of the center angle 210 .
- the spacers 530 are configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of the bracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress.
- the centroid is between the undersurface of the horizontal portion and the adjacent rear side surface of the vertical portion.
- the centroid is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent outer surfaces (e.g., top surface of the horizontal portion and adjacent front side surface of the vertical portion) of the center angle 210 .
- the pair of back boss structures 520 are configured to move away from each other to contact the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the back boss structures 520 may press against opposing side surfaces of the vertical portions of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- the pair of side clamps 550 are configured to move toward each other to contact the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the side clamps 550 may press against edges of the horizontal portions of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- a vertical clamp 560 is engaged with a slot defined in each of the side clamps 550 .
- the pair of vertical clamps 560 are configured to move toward the base structure 510 so as to contact a bottom surface of the bracket 200 .
- the vertical clamps 560 may press against undersurfaces of the horizontal portions of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- the dimensions of the vertical clamps 560 may be increased such that the vertical clamps 560 contact both the undersurfaces of the horizontal portions of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 as well as the side surfaces of the vertical portions of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of the bracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress.
- the centroid is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the top surface and adjacent side surface of each of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 8 without the cooling pipe, the probe pipe, and the bracket.
- FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 10 .
- the pair of pipe boss structures 540 of the reinforcement assembly 500 are configured to protrude inward from the base structure 510 and toward each other.
- the pair of pipe boss structures 540 may be configured to move in a radial direction such that a travel axis of each of the pipe boss structures 540 coincides with a radius of the curvature defined by the base structure 510 for receiving the cooling pipe 300 .
- Each of the pair of pipe boss structures 540 may have a slidable range of ⁇ 17.5 mm.
- each of the pair of pipe boss structures 540 may have a total slidable range of 35 mm.
- Each of the pair of back boss structures 520 may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of back boss structures 520 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm.
- the travel axes of the back boss structures 520 may be coaxial, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- Each of the pair of side clamps 550 may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of side clamps 550 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm.
- the travel axes of the side clamps 550 may also be coaxial, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- Each of the pair of vertical clamps 560 may have a slidable range of ⁇ 8.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of vertical clamps 560 may have a slidable range of 17 mm.
- the travel axes of the vertical clamps 560 may be parallel to each other, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- Each of the pair of front clamps 570 may have a slidable range of ⁇ 12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of front clamps 570 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm.
- the travel axes of the front clamps 570 may also be parallel to each other, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the vectors acting on the bracket and the cooling pipe by the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- the vectors shown in FIG. 12 are representative of the lateral constraints acting on the bracket 200 and the cooling pipe 300 by the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- Vector V 1 is applied by each of the back boss structures 520 of the reinforcement assembly 500 to the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the back boss structures 520 also react against the spacers 530 such that vector V 2 is applied by each of the spacers 530 to the center of gravity of the center angle 210 , which is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent outer surfaces of the center angle 210 .
- applying the load along the center of gravity can significantly reduce or even eliminate twisting of the center angle 210 (e.g., for extreme earthquake loads).
- the spacers 530 may be omitted if the swing gate is not included or not utilized to stabilize the probe 400 .
- a vector e.g., V 2 ′
- V 2 ′ may still be applied by the reinforcement assembly 500 to portions of the center angle 210 where the U-bracket section 270 is attached.
- Vector V 3 is applied by each of the side clamps 550 of the reinforcement assembly 500 to the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- the dimensions of the vertical clamps 560 may be increased (e.g., modified to each have an extended “nose” which also contacts the side surface of the vertical portion of the corresponding side angle) such that vector V 3 ′ is applied by each of the vertical clamps 560 to the center of gravity of the corresponding side angle, which is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent surfaces of each of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 .
- applying the load along the center of gravity of each of the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 can significantly reduce or even eliminate twisting (e.g., for extreme earthquake loads).
- Vector V 4 is applied by each of the front clamps 570 of the reinforcement assembly 500 to the first side angle 220 and the second side angle 230 of the bracket 200 .
- Vector V 5 is applied by each of the pipe boss structures 540 of the reinforcement assembly 500 to the cooling pipe 300 .
- the center angle 210 is regarded as constraining the cooling pipe 300 at a 12 o'clock position
- the pipe boss structures 540 can be regarded as constraining the cooling pipe 300 at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions.
- FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 without the linkage structure and the swing gate.
- FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 includes a protruding portion 511 configured to engage with the linkage structure 580 which, in turn, is configured to engage with the swing gate if stabilization of the probe 400 is desired.
- FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the base structure of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 is another upper perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18 is another lower perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a plan view of the base structure of FIG. 15 with hidden lines corresponding to the slots and bolt holes defined therein.
- the base structure 510 defines a pair of back slots 512 , a pair of angled slots 514 , a pair of side slots 516 , and a pair of front slots 518 .
- One or more of the back slots 512 , the angled slots 514 , the side slots 516 , and the front slots 518 may include a portion in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- one or more of the back slots 512 , the angled slots 514 , the side slots 516 , and the front slots 518 may include a portion in a form of a dovetail slot.
- Back boss structures 520 are configured to slidably engage with the back slots 512 .
- Pipe boss structures 540 are configured to slidably engage with the angled slots 514 .
- Side clamps 550 are configured to slidably engage with the side slots 516 .
- Front clamps 570 are configured to slidably engage with the front slots 518 .
- One or more of the back boss structures 520 , the pipe boss structures 540 , the side clamps 550 , and the front clamps 570 may include a portion in a form of a T-slide, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- one or more of the back boss structures 520 , the pipe boss structures 540 , the side clamps 550 , and the front clamps 570 may include a portion in a form of a dovetail slide.
- the base structure 510 is configured to cover the bracket 200 as part of the installation of the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- the base structure 510 is a monolithic component.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 without the base structure and the spacers.
- the back boss structures 520 , the pipe boss structures 540 , the side clamps 550 , the vertical clamps 560 , and the front clamps 570 are shown along with the bolts used to secure these components to the base structure 510 .
- positions of the back boss structures 520 , the pipe boss structures 540 , the side clamps 550 , the vertical clamps 560 , and the front clamps 570 relative to the base structure 510 may be adjusted by turning the corresponding bolt(s) (e.g., via torque tools positioned remotely by hand poles).
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a spacer of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 21 .
- the spacer 530 includes a bolt hole 532 , a notch 534 , and an indented portion 536 .
- the spacer 530 is optional and may be utilized when the probe 400 is being stabilized by the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- the spacer 530 is configured to engage with the bracket 200 via the notch 534 and to engage with a back boss structure 520 via the indented portion 536 .
- the spacer 530 is configured to be pressed against the center angle 210 of the bracket 200 by a back boss structure 520 of the reinforcement assembly 500 and secured with a bolt via the bolt hole 532 .
- the spacer 530 is configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of the bracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress.
- the spacer 530 may be provided in a form of two spacers, wherein one is a mirror image of the other.
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pipe boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- the pipe boss structure 540 includes a bolt hole 542 configured to receive a bolt that allows the pipe boss structure 540 to be positioned and adjusted relative to the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 . Because the bolt hole 542 is threaded and extends through a longitudinal axis of the pipe boss structure 540 , the engagement with a threaded bolt and the turning of such a bolt allows the pipe boss structure 540 to be incrementally protracted and retracted from the angled slot 514 of the base structure 510 by turning the bolt.
- FIG. 24 is a side view of a bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- the bolt 620 includes a head portion and a threaded portion 622 .
- the head portion of the bolt 620 defines a groove 624 configured to receive a pin for preventing the bolt 620 from becoming disengaged from a bolt hole (e.g., due to vibrations).
- the bolt 620 may engage the pipe boss structure 540 via the bolt hole 542 so as to secure the pipe boss structure 540 within an angled slot 514 of the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- the position of the pipe boss structure 540 (e.g., degree of protraction/retraction relative to the angled slot 514 ) may be adjusted by turning the bolt 620 .
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement for retaining a bolt with a pin according to an example embodiment.
- a component 800 defines a bolt hole and a pin hole. The pin hole is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole.
- a bolt 600 is engaged with the bolt hole defined by the component 800 .
- the head portion of the bolt 600 defines a groove 602 .
- the pin hole of the component 800 is configured to coincide with the groove 602 of the bolt 600 when the bolt 600 is engaged with the component 800 .
- a pin 700 can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within the pin hole to retain the bolt 600 . Because of the groove 602 , the bolt 600 can still be turned without becoming disengaged from the component 800 .
- the component 800 may be one or more of the components of the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a side clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- the side clamp 550 includes an upper portion in a form of a T-slide 556 .
- the T-slide 556 is configured to slidably engage with the side slot 516 of the base structure 510 .
- the side clamp 550 defines a bolt hole 552 a extending axially through the side clamp 550 and a bolt hole 552 b extending laterally through the side clamp 550 .
- the side clamp 550 defines a pin hole 554 a extending orthogonally to (e.g., horizontally) and overlapping the bolt hole 552 a .
- the side clamp 550 also defines a pin hole 554 b extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping the bolt hole 552 b.
- FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the side clamp of FIG. 26 .
- the side clamp 550 defines a vertical slot 558 configured to receive a vertical clamp 560 .
- the vertical slot 558 is in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the vertical slot 558 may be in a form of a dovetail slot.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vertical clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the vertical clamp of FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 30 is a side view of the vertical clamp of FIG. 29 .
- the vertical clamp 560 is configured to slidably engage with the vertical slot 558 of the side clamp 550 .
- the vertical clamp 560 includes an end portion in a form of a T-slide 564 , although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the vertical clamp 560 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide.
- the vertical clamp 560 defines a bolt hole 562 configured to receive a bolt that allows the vertical clamp 560 to be positioned and adjusted relative to the side clamp 550 and the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 . Because the bolt hole 562 is threaded, the engagement with a threaded bolt and the turning of such a bolt allows the vertical clamp 560 to be incrementally raised and lowered within the vertical slot 558 of the side clamp 550 by turning the bolt.
- the upper surface of the vertical clamp 560 that will contact an undersurface of the horizontal portion of the side angle (e.g., first side angle 220 , second side angle 230 ) is curved.
- FIG. 31 is a side view of another bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- the bolt 640 includes a head portion, a shank, and a threaded portion 642 .
- the head portion of the bolt 640 defines a groove 644 configured to receive a pin for preventing the bolt 640 from becoming disengaged from a bolt hole (e.g., due to vibrations).
- the bolt 640 may engage the side clamp 550 via the bolt hole 552 b so as to secure the side clamp 550 within a side slot 516 of the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- the position of the side clamp 550 within the side slot 516 may be adjusted by turning the bolt 640 .
- the shank of the bolt 640 includes a stepped portion 646 .
- the length of the stepped portion 646 may vary depending on the dimension of the component through which the bolt 640 extends. For example, if the bolt 640 is intended for use with a side clamp 550 , then the stepped portion 646 may have a length that ends at approximately the opposite side face of the side clamp 550 when the bolt 640 is fully inserted. As result, the bolt 640 can be turned to move the side clamp 550 all the way into the side slot 516 (via the engagement of the threaded portion 642 with the corresponding bolt hole of the base structure 510 ) such that the side clamp 550 is essentially against an end wall of the side slot 516 .
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a side clamp, vertical clamp, and corresponding bolts arrangement of the components of the reinforcement assembly FIG. 20 .
- a vertical clamp 560 is slidably engaged with the vertical slot 558 of a side clamp 550 and secured with a bolt (e.g., bolt 640 ) extending axially through the top of the side clamp 550 .
- a bolt e.g., bolt 640
- the bolt hole through the top of the side clamp 550 is not threaded, while the bolt hole 562 of the vertical clamp 560 is threaded.
- the threaded portion of the axial bolt is engaged with the bolt hole 562 of the vertical clamp 560 .
- a bolt extends laterally through the side of the side clamp 550 .
- the lateral bolt is configured to secure the side clamp 550 (and, consequently, the vertical clamp 560 engaged with the side clamp 550 ) to the base structure 510 of the reinforcement assembly 500 .
- the bolt hole through the side of the side clamp 550 is not threaded, while the corresponding bolt hole in the base structure 510 is threaded.
- the threaded portion of the lateral bolt is engaged with the corresponding bolt hole in the base structure 510 .
- turning the lateral bolt in a first direction causes the side clamp 550 to move inward within the side slot 516 of the base structure 510 .
- turning the lateral bolt in an opposite second direction causes the side clamp 550 to move outward within the side slot 516 of the base structure 510 .
- the side clamp 550 defines a pin hole 554 a that is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole through the top of the side clamp 550 .
- An axial bolt (e.g., bolt 640 ) is engaged with the top bolt hole defined by the side clamp 550 .
- the head portion of the axial bolt defines a groove (e.g., groove 644 ).
- the pin hole 554 a is configured to coincide with the groove of the axial bolt when the axial bolt is engaged with the side clamp 550 .
- a pin can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within the pin hole 554 a to retain the axial bolt. Because of the groove, the axial bolt can be turned to move the vertical clamp 560 within the vertical slot 558 without becoming disengaged from the base structure 510 .
- the side clamp 550 defines a pin hole 554 b that is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole through the side of the side clamp 550 .
- a lateral bolt e.g., bolt 640
- the head portion of the lateral bolt defines a groove (e.g., groove 644 ).
- the pin hole 554 b is configured to coincide with the groove of the lateral bolt when the lateral bolt is engaged with the side clamp 550 .
- a pin can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within the pin hole 554 b to retain the lateral bolt. Because of the groove, the lateral bolt can be turned to move the side clamp 550 within the side slot 516 without becoming disengaged from the base structure 510 .
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a back boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the back boss structure of FIG. 33 .
- FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the back boss structure of FIG. 34 .
- FIG. 36 is a side view of the back boss structure of FIG. 35 .
- the back boss structure 520 is configured to slidably engage with a back slot 512 of the base structure 510 .
- the back boss structure 520 includes an end portion in a form of a T-slide 524 , although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the back boss structure 520 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide.
- the back boss structure 520 defines a bolt hole 522 configured to receive a bolt for securing the back boss structure 520 within the back slot 512 of the base structure 510 .
- turning the bolt in a first direction causes the back boss structure 520 to protract from the back slot 512 of the base structure 510 .
- turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes the back boss structure 520 to retract within the back slot 512 of the base structure 510 .
- the back boss structure 520 defines a notch 526 and a chamfer portion 528 .
- the chamfer portion 528 is at a corner of the back boss structure 520 and is adjacent to the notch 526 .
- the configuration of the chamfer portion 528 reduces or prevents the potential for interference with the fillet welds of the bracket 200 .
- the notch 526 is below an overhanging end portion of the back boss structure 520 that includes the T-slide 524 .
- the notch 526 of the back boss structure 520 is configured to engage with a spacer 530 during certain situations (e.g., a spacer 530 is used when a probe 400 is stabilized with a swing gate).
- FIG. 37 is a side view of an engagement of a back boss structure with a spacer of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 13 .
- the indented portion 536 (e.g., FIG. 21 ) of the spacer 530 is configured to engage (e.g., interlock) with the notch 526 of the back boss structure 520 .
- Such an engagement facilitates the proper positioning of the spacer 530 (e.g., in the event a preload in the reinforcement assembly 500 is lost or reduced during a seismic event).
- the notch 526 in the back boss structure 520 also increases the overall clearance between the reinforcement assembly 500 and the liner 100 of the spent fuel pool 1000 . In an example, embodiment, the reinforcement assembly 500 does not contact the liner 100 of the spent fuel pool 1000 .
- FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a front clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the front clamp of FIG. 38 .
- a front clamp 570 includes an upper portion in a form of a T-slide 576 .
- the T-slide 576 is configured to slidably engage with a front slot 518 of the base structure 510 .
- the front clamp 570 defines a bolt hole 572 extending laterally through the front clamp 570 .
- the front clamp 570 defines a pin hole 574 extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping the bolt hole 572 .
- a pin can be inserted in the pin hole 574 to retain the bolt while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move the front clamp 570 within the front slot 518 .
- turning the bolt in a first direction causes the front clamp 570 to protract from the front slot 518 of the base structure 510 .
- turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes the front clamp 570 to retract within the front slot 518 of the base structure 510 .
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the linkage structure of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the linkage structure of FIG. 40 .
- FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the linkage structure of FIG. 41 .
- a linkage structure 580 may be utilized when the reinforcement assembly 500 includes a swing gate (e.g., to stabilize the probe 400 ).
- the linkage structure 580 defines a bolt hole 582 a extending laterally through the linkage structure 580 .
- the linkage structure 580 defines a pin hole 584 a extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping the bolt hole 582 a .
- the linkage structure 580 defines a socket configured to engage with the protruding portion 511 of the base structure 510 .
- the degree of engagement between the socket ( FIG. 42 ) of the linkage structure 580 and the protruding portion 511 of the base structure 510 can be set with a bolt engaged with the bolt hole 582 a of the linkage structure 580 and the corresponding bolt hole of the base structure 510 .
- a pin may also be inserted in the pin hole 584 a to retain the bolt within the bolt hole 582 a while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move the linkage structure 580 relative to the base structure 510 .
- turning the bolt in a first direction causes the linkage structure 580 to move outwards and away from the base structure 510 .
- turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes the linkage structure 580 to move back towards the base structure 510 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 can accommodate the normal offset between the cooling pipe 300 and the probe 400 (e.g., normal offset of 320 mm ⁇ 12.5 mm from axial centerlines).
- the side of the linkage structure 580 opposite from the socket defines a horizontal slot 586 .
- the horizontal slot 586 is configured to receive a swing gate.
- the horizontal slot 586 is in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the horizontal slot 586 may be in a form of a dovetail slot.
- the linkage structure 580 defines a bolt hole 582 b extending axially through the linkage structure 580 .
- the linkage structure 580 also defines a pin hole 584 b extending orthogonally to (e.g., horizontally) and overlapping the bolt hole 582 b .
- the position of the swing gate within the horizontal slot 586 of the linkage structure 580 can be set with a bolt engaged with the bolt hole 582 b of the linkage structure 580 and the corresponding bolt hole of the swing gate.
- a pin may be inserted in the pin hole 584 b to retain the bolt within the bolt hole 582 b while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move the swing gate relative to the linkage structure 580 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 can accommodate the tangential offset between the cooling pipe 300 and the probe 400 (e.g., tangential offset of ⁇ 10 mm from axial centerlines).
- FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the swing gate of the reinforcement assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the gate base of the swing gate of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the gate latch of the swing gate of FIG. 43 .
- the reinforcement assembly 500 may include a swing gate 590 configured to be connected to the base structure 510 via the linkage structure 580 .
- the swing gate 590 includes a gate base 591 and a gate latch 597 configured to open and close (e.g., to receive and stabilize a probe 400 ).
- the gate base 591 defines a bolt hole 593 and includes projections 595 on its upper surface.
- the projections 595 may be integrally formed as part of the gate base 591 .
- one or more of the projections 595 may be in the form of a protruding pin that is interference fit within a hole in the gate base 591 .
- the gate latch 597 defines a bolt hole 598 and apertures 599 that correspond to the projections 595 of the gate base 591 .
- a bolt 596 is configured to engage with the bolt hole 598 of the gate latch 597 and the bolt hole 593 of the gate base 591 so as to function as a pivot.
- the bolt 596 may be a shoulder bolt, and a spring may be retained by the bolt 596 so as to apply a downward force on the gate latch 597 , thereby helping to maintain a status quo of the swing gate 590 (e.g., a closed state).
- an upward force on the gate latch 597 (e.g., via a handle) is needed to compress the spring retained by the bolt 596 (and to clear the projections 595 ) before the gate latch 597 can be swung open.
- the gate base 591 of the swing gate 590 includes a portion in a form of a T-slide 594 , although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- the gate base 591 of the swing gate 590 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide.
- the gate base 591 of the swing gate 590 also defines a bolt hole 592 (e.g., partially threaded bolt hole) that extends along and between the T-slides 594 .
- only the portion of the bolt hole 592 between the two T-slides 594 is threaded (e.g., to reduce momentum from loads from the probe 400 ).
- Each of the T-slides 594 of the gate base 591 is configured to slidably engage with the horizontal slot 586 of the linkage structure 580 .
- the position of the swing gate 590 within the horizontal slot 586 of the linkage structure 580 can be set with a bolt engaged with the bolt hole 582 b of the linkage structure 580 and the bolt hole 592 of the gate base 591 of the swing gate 590 .
- FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a base structure and spacer according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the base structure of FIG. 46 .
- FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the spacer of FIG. 46 with hidden lines.
- a reinforcement assembly includes a base structure 510 ′ defining a spacer slot.
- a spacer 530 ′ is configured to be received within the spacer slot so as to interlock with the base structure 510 ′.
- the spacer 530 ′ is in a form of a monolithic structure.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to arrangements configured to reinforce structures of a nuclear reactor.
- Existing components within a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor may be at risk of failure as a result of seismic activity. Consequently, such components may need to be reinforced or replaced.
- A reinforcement assembly may be provided for a bracket configured to constrain a cooling pipe of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor. The reinforcement assembly includes a base structure defining a pair of back slots, a pair of angled slots, a pair of side slots, and/or a pair of front slots. A pair of back boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of back slots of the base structure. A pair of pipe boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of angled slots of the base structure. A pair of side clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of side slots of the base structure. Each of the pair of side clamps may define a vertical slot. A pair of vertical clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the vertical slot of each of the pair of side clamps. A pair of front clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of front slots of the base structure.
- The base structure may be configured to cover the bracket. The base structure may be a monolithic component.
- The one or more of the pair of back slots, the pair of angled slots, the pair of side slots, the pair of front slots, and the vertical slot may include a portion in a form of a T-slot.
- The pair of back boss structures may be configured to move away from each other to contact the bracket. Each of the pair of back boss structures may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm.
- The pair of pipe boss structures may be configured to protrude inward from the base structure and toward each other. Each of the pair of pipe boss structures may have a slidable range of ±17.5 mm.
- The pair of side clamps may be configured to move toward each other to contact the bracket. Each of the pair of side clamps may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm.
- The pair of vertical clamps may be configured to move toward the base structure so as to contact a bottom surface of the bracket. Each of the pair of vertical clamps may have a slidable range of ±8.5 mm.
- The pair of front clamps may be configured to move into the base structure and toward the pair of back slots so as to contact the bracket. Each of the pair of front clamps may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm.
- The reinforcement assembly may further include at least one spacer configured to engage with at least one of the pair of back boss structures. The at least one spacer may be configured to be pressed against the bracket by the pair of back boss structures. The at least one spacer is configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of the bracket to reduce torsional shear stress. The at least one spacer may be in a form of two spacers. Alternatively, the at least one spacer may be in a form of a single spacer.
- The reinforcement assembly may further include a linkage structure connected to the base structure and a swing gate connected to the linkage structure. The swing gate may be configured to hold and stabilize a probe pipe relative to the cooling pipe.
- The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.
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FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor including a cooling pipe, a probe pipe, and a plurality of brackets according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of one of the plurality of brackets ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the bracket ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a reinforcement assembly for the bracket ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is another upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 8 is another lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 8 without the cooling pipe, the probe pipe, and the bracket. -
FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the vectors acting on the bracket and the cooling pipe by the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 without the linkage structure and the swing gate. -
FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the base structure of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16 is another upper perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18 is another lower perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a plan view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 with hidden lines corresponding to the slots and bolt holes defined therein. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 without the base structure and the spacers. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a spacer of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the spacer ofFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pipe boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 24 is a side view of a bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement for retaining a bolt with a pin according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a side clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the side clamp ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vertical clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the vertical clamp ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 30 is a side view of the vertical clamp ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is a side view of another bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a side clamp, vertical clamp, and corresponding bolts arrangement of the components of the reinforcement assemblyFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a back boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assemblyFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 33 . -
FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 34 . -
FIG. 36 is a side view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 37 is a side view of an engagement of a back boss structure with a spacer of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a front clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the front clamp ofFIG. 38 . -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the linkage structure of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the linkage structure ofFIG. 40 . -
FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the linkage structure ofFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the swing gate of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the gate base of the swing gate ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the gate latch of the swing gate ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a base structure and spacer according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 46 . -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the spacer ofFIG. 46 with hidden lines. - It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
- Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
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FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor including a cooling pipe, a probe pipe, and a plurality of brackets according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 1 , a spent fuel pool 1000 includes, inter alia, acooling pipe 300 and aprobe 400 adjacent to thecooling pipe 300. Theprobe 400 may be a water level and temperature probe. Thecooling pipe 300 includes a vertical (riser) portion between two horizontal portions. The two horizontal portions of thecooling pipe 300 may extend in opposite directions. As shown inFIG. 1 , thecooling pipe 300 is constrained to aliner 100 of a wall (e.g., south wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000 by a plurality ofbrackets 200. Thebrackets 200 constraining the vertical (riser) portion of thecooling pipe 300 may be different from thebrackets 200 constraining the horizontal portions. Although not shown, another coolingpipe 300 may be constrained to an opposing wall (e.g., north wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000. In a non-limiting embodiment, theprobe 400 is paired with one of the cooling pipes 300 (e.g., on the south wall) of the spent fuel pool 1000. -
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of one of the plurality of brackets ofFIG. 1 . Referring toFIG. 2 , thebracket 200 is configured to constrain thecooling pipe 300 and includes acenter angle 210 secured (e.g., welded) between a first side angle 220 (e.g., right angle) and a second side angle 230 (e.g., left angle). Thecenter angle 210,first side angle 220, andsecond side angle 230 may have dimensions (width×height×thickness) of 100 mm×100 mm×10 mm, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. Thefirst side angle 220 is reinforced by afirst gusset 240. Similarly, thesecond side angle 230 is reinforced with asecond gusset 250. AU-bracket section 270 is secured to thecenter angle 210. When thebracket 200 is installed in the spent fuel pool 1000, thecooling pipe 300 will be constrained between theU-bracket section 270 and thecenter angle 210. -
FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the bracket ofFIG. 2 . Referring toFIG. 3 , thecenter angle 210 is reinforced with athird gusset 260. The combination of thecenter angle 210, thefirst side angle 220, thesecond side angle 230, thefirst gusset 240, thesecond gusset 250, and thethird gusset 260 may be referred to as an H-bracket section. Thus, thebracket 200 may be regarded as having an H-bracket section and aU-bracket section 270. -
FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a reinforcement assembly for the bracket ofFIG. 2 . Referring toFIG. 4 , areinforcement assembly 500 is configured for installation in the spent fuel pool 1000 to reinforce or strengthen at least one of thebrackets 200. For instance, areinforcement assembly 500 may be provided for each of the twobrackets 200 that constrain the vertical (riser) portion of thecooling pipe 300, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. Thereinforcement assembly 500 has a design that allows for remote installation (e.g., via chain hoist and without the use of divers). By reinforcing thebracket 200, thereinforcement assembly 500 helps to constrain thecooling pipe 300 while optionally also stabilizing theprobe 400. Thereinforcement assembly 500 is described generally below and is followed by more detailed discussions in subsequent sections. - In
FIG. 4 , thebracket 200 constraining thecooling pipe 300 is covered by thereinforcement assembly 500 and, thus, is mostly hidden from view in the drawing. Thereinforcement assembly 500 includes abase structure 510 defining a plurality of slots. A plurality of boss structures and clamps are slidably engaged with the plurality of slots in thebase structure 510 so as to provide thereinforcement assembly 500 with a desirable level of adjustability with regard to the interaction with and resulting reinforcement of thebracket 200. As discussed in further detail herein, the plurality of boss structures and clamps of thereinforcement assembly 500 include, inter alia, side clamps 550 and front clamps 570. - The
reinforcement assembly 500 may additionally include alinkage structure 580 connected to thebase structure 510 and a swing gate connected to thelinkage structure 580. The swing gate includes agate base 591 and agate latch 597. In an example embodiment where thereinforcement assembly 500 is installed in a spent fuel pool 1000 to reinforce a bracket 200 (e.g., existing bracket), the swing gate allows theprobe 400 to be subsequently installed in a horizontal manner in the spent fuel pool 1000. Furthermore, thereinforcement assembly 500 may includespacers 530 when thelinkage structure 580 and swing gate are provided to stabilize theprobe 400. -
FIG. 5 is another upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . Referring toFIG. 5 , thereinforcement assembly 500 includes backboss structures 520 configured to interact with thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. Thespacers 530 are configured to interact with both thecenter angle 210 and theback boss structures 520. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . Referring toFIG. 6 , thereinforcement assembly 500 includespipe boss structures 540 configured to interact with thecooling pipe 300. As a result, thecooling pipe 300 is constrained by thecenter angle 210 and theU-bracket section 270 of thebracket 200 while also being constrained by the pipe boss structures 540 (e.g., 1.6 mm radial gap). The side clamps 550 of thereinforcement assembly 500 are configured to interact with thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. In an example embodiment, thereinforcement assembly 500 is configured to withstand at least 44-50 kN of tangential force and at least 28-34 kN of normal force with regard to thecooling pipe 300. - The swing gate is configured such that the
gate base 591 and thegate latch 597 define an inner circumference that coincides relatively closely with the outer circumference of theprobe 400 so as to provide a relatively close fit (e.g., 1.6 mm radial gap) for theprobe 400. In an example embodiment, thereinforcement assembly 500 is configured to withstand at least 33-39 kN of tangential force and at least 26-32 kN of normal force with regard to theprobe 400. -
FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 4 . Referring toFIG. 7 , thebase structure 510 is dimensioned such that thereinforcement assembly 500 can be situated on thebracket 200 without theU-bracket section 270 interfering with thelinkage structure 580. In an example embodiment, thepipe boss structures 540 are between thebase structure 510 and theU-bracket section 270 when thereinforcement assembly 500 is installed on thebracket 200. The pair of front clamps 570 are configured to move into thebase structure 510 to interact with thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. For example, the front clamps 570 may press against the L-shaped ends of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. -
FIG. 8 is another lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 7 . Referring toFIG. 8 , thespacers 530 are positioned on thecenter angle 210 so as to be on both sides of thethird gusset 260. In a non-limiting embodiment, thespacers 530 contact both the undersurface of the horizontal portion of thecenter angle 210 and the rear side surface of the vertical portion of thecenter angle 210. Thespacers 530 are configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of thebracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress. With regard to thecenter angle 210, the centroid is between the undersurface of the horizontal portion and the adjacent rear side surface of the vertical portion. In an example embodiment, for acenter angle 210 with dimensions (width×height×thickness) of 100 mm×100 mm×10 mm, the centroid is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent outer surfaces (e.g., top surface of the horizontal portion and adjacent front side surface of the vertical portion) of thecenter angle 210. - The pair of
back boss structures 520 are configured to move away from each other to contact thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. For example, theback boss structures 520 may press against opposing side surfaces of the vertical portions of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. Conversely, the pair of side clamps 550 are configured to move toward each other to contact thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. For example, the side clamps 550 may press against edges of the horizontal portions of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. - A
vertical clamp 560 is engaged with a slot defined in each of the side clamps 550. The pair ofvertical clamps 560 are configured to move toward thebase structure 510 so as to contact a bottom surface of thebracket 200. For example, thevertical clamps 560 may press against undersurfaces of the horizontal portions of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. Although not shown, the dimensions of thevertical clamps 560 may be increased such that thevertical clamps 560 contact both the undersurfaces of the horizontal portions of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 as well as the side surfaces of the vertical portions of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. Such a configuration would allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of thebracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress. For afirst side angle 220 and asecond side angle 230 with dimensions (width×height×thickness) of 100 mm×100 mm×10 mm, the centroid is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the top surface and adjacent side surface of each of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. -
FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 8 without the cooling pipe, the probe pipe, and the bracket.FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 9 .FIG. 11 is a plan view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 10 . Referring toFIGS. 9-11 , the pair ofpipe boss structures 540 of thereinforcement assembly 500 are configured to protrude inward from thebase structure 510 and toward each other. For example, the pair ofpipe boss structures 540 may be configured to move in a radial direction such that a travel axis of each of thepipe boss structures 540 coincides with a radius of the curvature defined by thebase structure 510 for receiving thecooling pipe 300. Each of the pair ofpipe boss structures 540 may have a slidable range of ±17.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair ofpipe boss structures 540 may have a total slidable range of 35 mm. - Each of the pair of
back boss structures 520 may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair ofback boss structures 520 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm. The travel axes of theback boss structures 520 may be coaxial, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. - Each of the pair of side clamps 550 may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of side clamps 550 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm. The travel axes of the side clamps 550 may also be coaxial, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
- Each of the pair of
vertical clamps 560 may have a slidable range of ±8.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair ofvertical clamps 560 may have a slidable range of 17 mm. The travel axes of thevertical clamps 560 may be parallel to each other, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. - Each of the pair of front clamps 570 may have a slidable range of ±12.5 mm. As a result, each of the pair of front clamps 570 may have a total slidable range of 25 mm. The travel axes of the front clamps 570 may also be parallel to each other, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
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FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the vectors acting on the bracket and the cooling pipe by the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 . In particular, it should be understood that the vectors shown inFIG. 12 are representative of the lateral constraints acting on thebracket 200 and thecooling pipe 300 by thereinforcement assembly 500. Vector V1 is applied by each of theback boss structures 520 of thereinforcement assembly 500 to thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. Theback boss structures 520 also react against thespacers 530 such that vector V2 is applied by each of thespacers 530 to the center of gravity of thecenter angle 210, which is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent outer surfaces of thecenter angle 210. In an example embodiment, applying the load along the center of gravity can significantly reduce or even eliminate twisting of the center angle 210 (e.g., for extreme earthquake loads). However, as noted supra, thespacers 530 may be omitted if the swing gate is not included or not utilized to stabilize theprobe 400. In the absence ofspacers 530, a vector (e.g., V2′) may still be applied by thereinforcement assembly 500 to portions of thecenter angle 210 where theU-bracket section 270 is attached. - Vector V3 is applied by each of the side clamps 550 of the
reinforcement assembly 500 to thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. Optionally, the dimensions of thevertical clamps 560 may be increased (e.g., modified to each have an extended “nose” which also contacts the side surface of the vertical portion of the corresponding side angle) such that vector V3′ is applied by each of thevertical clamps 560 to the center of gravity of the corresponding side angle, which is about 28.2 mm to 28.4 mm from the adjacent surfaces of each of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230. In an example embodiment, applying the load along the center of gravity of each of thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 can significantly reduce or even eliminate twisting (e.g., for extreme earthquake loads). - Vector V4 is applied by each of the front clamps 570 of the
reinforcement assembly 500 to thefirst side angle 220 and thesecond side angle 230 of thebracket 200. Vector V5 is applied by each of thepipe boss structures 540 of thereinforcement assembly 500 to thecooling pipe 300. In an example embodiment, if thecenter angle 210 is regarded as constraining thecooling pipe 300 at a 12 o'clock position, then thepipe boss structures 540 can be regarded as constraining thecooling pipe 300 at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. -
FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 without the linkage structure and the swing gate.FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . Referring toFIGS. 13-14 , thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500 includes a protrudingportion 511 configured to engage with thelinkage structure 580 which, in turn, is configured to engage with the swing gate if stabilization of theprobe 400 is desired. -
FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of the base structure of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 .FIG. 16 is another upper perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 .FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 .FIG. 18 is another lower perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 17 .FIG. 19 is a plan view of the base structure ofFIG. 15 with hidden lines corresponding to the slots and bolt holes defined therein. Referring toFIGS. 15-19 , thebase structure 510 defines a pair ofback slots 512, a pair ofangled slots 514, a pair ofside slots 516, and a pair offront slots 518. One or more of theback slots 512, theangled slots 514, theside slots 516, and thefront slots 518 may include a portion in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, one or more of theback slots 512, theangled slots 514, theside slots 516, and thefront slots 518 may include a portion in a form of a dovetail slot. -
Back boss structures 520 are configured to slidably engage with theback slots 512.Pipe boss structures 540 are configured to slidably engage with theangled slots 514. Side clamps 550 are configured to slidably engage with theside slots 516. Front clamps 570 are configured to slidably engage with thefront slots 518. One or more of theback boss structures 520, thepipe boss structures 540, the side clamps 550, and the front clamps 570 may include a portion in a form of a T-slide, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, one or more of theback boss structures 520, thepipe boss structures 540, the side clamps 550, and the front clamps 570 may include a portion in a form of a dovetail slide. - The
base structure 510 is configured to cover thebracket 200 as part of the installation of thereinforcement assembly 500. In an example embodiment, thebase structure 510 is a monolithic component. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 without the base structure and the spacers. Referring toFIG. 20 , theback boss structures 520, thepipe boss structures 540, the side clamps 550, thevertical clamps 560, and the front clamps 570 are shown along with the bolts used to secure these components to thebase structure 510. In addition, positions of theback boss structures 520, thepipe boss structures 540, the side clamps 550, thevertical clamps 560, and the front clamps 570 relative to thebase structure 510 may be adjusted by turning the corresponding bolt(s) (e.g., via torque tools positioned remotely by hand poles). -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a spacer of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 .FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the spacer ofFIG. 21 . Referring toFIGS. 21-22 , thespacer 530 includes abolt hole 532, anotch 534, and anindented portion 536. As noted supra, thespacer 530 is optional and may be utilized when theprobe 400 is being stabilized by thereinforcement assembly 500. When utilized, thespacer 530 is configured to engage with thebracket 200 via thenotch 534 and to engage with aback boss structure 520 via theindented portion 536. In particular, thespacer 530 is configured to be pressed against thecenter angle 210 of thebracket 200 by aback boss structure 520 of thereinforcement assembly 500 and secured with a bolt via thebolt hole 532. Thespacer 530 is configured to allow for centroid loading through a center of rotation of a local cross-section of thebracket 200 to reduce torsional shear stress. As shown in the previously-discussed drawings (e.g.,FIG. 9 ), thespacer 530 may be provided in a form of two spacers, wherein one is a mirror image of the other. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pipe boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . Referring toFIG. 23 , thepipe boss structure 540 includes abolt hole 542 configured to receive a bolt that allows thepipe boss structure 540 to be positioned and adjusted relative to thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500. Because thebolt hole 542 is threaded and extends through a longitudinal axis of thepipe boss structure 540, the engagement with a threaded bolt and the turning of such a bolt allows thepipe boss structure 540 to be incrementally protracted and retracted from theangled slot 514 of thebase structure 510 by turning the bolt. -
FIG. 24 is a side view of a bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . Referring toFIG. 24 , thebolt 620 includes a head portion and a threadedportion 622. The head portion of thebolt 620 defines agroove 624 configured to receive a pin for preventing thebolt 620 from becoming disengaged from a bolt hole (e.g., due to vibrations). In an example embodiment, thebolt 620 may engage thepipe boss structure 540 via thebolt hole 542 so as to secure thepipe boss structure 540 within anangled slot 514 of thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500. The position of the pipe boss structure 540 (e.g., degree of protraction/retraction relative to the angled slot 514) may be adjusted by turning thebolt 620. -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement for retaining a bolt with a pin according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 25 , acomponent 800 defines a bolt hole and a pin hole. The pin hole is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole. Abolt 600 is engaged with the bolt hole defined by thecomponent 800. The head portion of thebolt 600 defines agroove 602. The pin hole of thecomponent 800 is configured to coincide with thegroove 602 of thebolt 600 when thebolt 600 is engaged with thecomponent 800. As a result, apin 700 can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within the pin hole to retain thebolt 600. Because of thegroove 602, thebolt 600 can still be turned without becoming disengaged from thecomponent 800. Thecomponent 800 may be one or more of the components of thereinforcement assembly 500. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a side clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . Referring toFIG. 26 , theside clamp 550 includes an upper portion in a form of a T-slide 556. The T-slide 556 is configured to slidably engage with theside slot 516 of thebase structure 510. Theside clamp 550 defines a bolt hole 552 a extending axially through theside clamp 550 and abolt hole 552 b extending laterally through theside clamp 550. In addition, theside clamp 550 defines apin hole 554 a extending orthogonally to (e.g., horizontally) and overlapping the bolt hole 552 a. Theside clamp 550 also defines a pin hole 554 b extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping thebolt hole 552 b. -
FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the side clamp ofFIG. 26 . Referring toFIG. 27 , theside clamp 550 defines a vertical slot 558 configured to receive avertical clamp 560. The vertical slot 558 is in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, alternatively, the vertical slot 558 may be in a form of a dovetail slot. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a vertical clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 .FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the vertical clamp ofFIG. 28 .FIG. 30 is a side view of the vertical clamp ofFIG. 29 . Referring toFIGS. 28-30 , thevertical clamp 560 is configured to slidably engage with the vertical slot 558 of theside clamp 550. Thevertical clamp 560 includes an end portion in a form of a T-slide 564, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, alternatively, thevertical clamp 560 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide. - The
vertical clamp 560 defines abolt hole 562 configured to receive a bolt that allows thevertical clamp 560 to be positioned and adjusted relative to theside clamp 550 and thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500. Because thebolt hole 562 is threaded, the engagement with a threaded bolt and the turning of such a bolt allows thevertical clamp 560 to be incrementally raised and lowered within the vertical slot 558 of theside clamp 550 by turning the bolt. The upper surface of thevertical clamp 560 that will contact an undersurface of the horizontal portion of the side angle (e.g.,first side angle 220, second side angle 230) is curved. -
FIG. 31 is a side view of another bolt of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 . Referring toFIG. 31 , thebolt 640 includes a head portion, a shank, and a threadedportion 642. The head portion of thebolt 640 defines agroove 644 configured to receive a pin for preventing thebolt 640 from becoming disengaged from a bolt hole (e.g., due to vibrations). In an example embodiment, thebolt 640 may engage theside clamp 550 via thebolt hole 552 b so as to secure theside clamp 550 within aside slot 516 of thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500. The position of theside clamp 550 within theside slot 516 may be adjusted by turning thebolt 640. - The shank of the
bolt 640 includes a stepped portion 646. The length of the stepped portion 646 may vary depending on the dimension of the component through which thebolt 640 extends. For example, if thebolt 640 is intended for use with aside clamp 550, then the stepped portion 646 may have a length that ends at approximately the opposite side face of theside clamp 550 when thebolt 640 is fully inserted. As result, thebolt 640 can be turned to move theside clamp 550 all the way into the side slot 516 (via the engagement of the threadedportion 642 with the corresponding bolt hole of the base structure 510) such that theside clamp 550 is essentially against an end wall of theside slot 516. -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a side clamp, vertical clamp, and corresponding bolts arrangement of the components of the reinforcement assemblyFIG. 20 . Referring toFIG. 32 , avertical clamp 560 is slidably engaged with the vertical slot 558 of aside clamp 550 and secured with a bolt (e.g., bolt 640) extending axially through the top of theside clamp 550. In an example embodiment, the bolt hole through the top of theside clamp 550 is not threaded, while thebolt hole 562 of thevertical clamp 560 is threaded. The threaded portion of the axial bolt is engaged with thebolt hole 562 of thevertical clamp 560. As a result, turning the axial bolt in a first direction causes thevertical clamp 560 to move upward within the vertical slot 558 of theside clamp 550. Conversely, turning the axial bolt in an opposite second direction causes thevertical clamp 560 to move downward within the vertical slot 558 of theside clamp 550. - In addition, a bolt (e.g., bolt 640) extends laterally through the side of the
side clamp 550. The lateral bolt is configured to secure the side clamp 550 (and, consequently, thevertical clamp 560 engaged with the side clamp 550) to thebase structure 510 of thereinforcement assembly 500. In an example embodiment, the bolt hole through the side of theside clamp 550 is not threaded, while the corresponding bolt hole in thebase structure 510 is threaded. The threaded portion of the lateral bolt is engaged with the corresponding bolt hole in thebase structure 510. As a result, turning the lateral bolt in a first direction causes theside clamp 550 to move inward within theside slot 516 of thebase structure 510. Conversely, turning the lateral bolt in an opposite second direction causes theside clamp 550 to move outward within theside slot 516 of thebase structure 510. - Furthermore, the
side clamp 550 defines apin hole 554 a that is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole through the top of theside clamp 550. An axial bolt (e.g., bolt 640) is engaged with the top bolt hole defined by theside clamp 550. The head portion of the axial bolt defines a groove (e.g., groove 644). Thepin hole 554 a is configured to coincide with the groove of the axial bolt when the axial bolt is engaged with theside clamp 550. As a result, a pin can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within thepin hole 554 a to retain the axial bolt. Because of the groove, the axial bolt can be turned to move thevertical clamp 560 within the vertical slot 558 without becoming disengaged from thebase structure 510. - Similarly, the
side clamp 550 defines a pin hole 554 b that is orthogonal to and overlaps with the bolt hole through the side of theside clamp 550. A lateral bolt (e.g., bolt 640) is engaged with the side bolt hole defined by theside clamp 550. The head portion of the lateral bolt defines a groove (e.g., groove 644). The pin hole 554 b is configured to coincide with the groove of the lateral bolt when the lateral bolt is engaged with theside clamp 550. As a result, a pin can be inserted (e.g., via interference fit, press fit, or friction fit) within the pin hole 554 b to retain the lateral bolt. Because of the groove, the lateral bolt can be turned to move theside clamp 550 within theside slot 516 without becoming disengaged from thebase structure 510. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a back boss structure of the components of the reinforcement assemblyFIG. 20 .FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 33 .FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 34 .FIG. 36 is a side view of the back boss structure ofFIG. 35 . - Referring to
FIGS. 33-36 , theback boss structure 520 is configured to slidably engage with aback slot 512 of thebase structure 510. Theback boss structure 520 includes an end portion in a form of a T-slide 524, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, alternatively, theback boss structure 520 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide. - Additionally, the
back boss structure 520 defines abolt hole 522 configured to receive a bolt for securing theback boss structure 520 within theback slot 512 of thebase structure 510. In an example embodiment, turning the bolt in a first direction causes theback boss structure 520 to protract from theback slot 512 of thebase structure 510. Conversely, turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes theback boss structure 520 to retract within theback slot 512 of thebase structure 510. - Furthermore, the
back boss structure 520 defines anotch 526 and achamfer portion 528. Thechamfer portion 528 is at a corner of theback boss structure 520 and is adjacent to thenotch 526. In an example embodiment, the configuration of thechamfer portion 528 reduces or prevents the potential for interference with the fillet welds of thebracket 200. Thenotch 526 is below an overhanging end portion of theback boss structure 520 that includes the T-slide 524. Thenotch 526 of theback boss structure 520 is configured to engage with aspacer 530 during certain situations (e.g., aspacer 530 is used when aprobe 400 is stabilized with a swing gate). -
FIG. 37 is a side view of an engagement of a back boss structure with a spacer of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 13 . Referring toFIG. 37 , the indented portion 536 (e.g.,FIG. 21 ) of thespacer 530 is configured to engage (e.g., interlock) with thenotch 526 of theback boss structure 520. Such an engagement facilitates the proper positioning of the spacer 530 (e.g., in the event a preload in thereinforcement assembly 500 is lost or reduced during a seismic event). Thenotch 526 in theback boss structure 520 also increases the overall clearance between thereinforcement assembly 500 and theliner 100 of the spent fuel pool 1000. In an example, embodiment, thereinforcement assembly 500 does not contact theliner 100 of the spent fuel pool 1000. -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a front clamp of the components of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 20 .FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the front clamp ofFIG. 38 . Referring toFIGS. 38-39 , afront clamp 570 includes an upper portion in a form of a T-slide 576. The T-slide 576 is configured to slidably engage with afront slot 518 of thebase structure 510. Thefront clamp 570 defines abolt hole 572 extending laterally through thefront clamp 570. In addition, thefront clamp 570 defines a pin hole 574 extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping thebolt hole 572. As a result, as discussed supra, a pin can be inserted in the pin hole 574 to retain the bolt while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move thefront clamp 570 within thefront slot 518. In an example embodiment, turning the bolt in a first direction causes thefront clamp 570 to protract from thefront slot 518 of thebase structure 510. Conversely, turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes thefront clamp 570 to retract within thefront slot 518 of thebase structure 510. -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the linkage structure of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 .FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the linkage structure ofFIG. 40 .FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the linkage structure ofFIG. 41 . Referring toFIGS. 40-42 , alinkage structure 580 may be utilized when thereinforcement assembly 500 includes a swing gate (e.g., to stabilize the probe 400). Thelinkage structure 580 defines abolt hole 582 a extending laterally through thelinkage structure 580. In addition, thelinkage structure 580 defines a pin hole 584 a extending orthogonally to (e.g., vertically) and overlapping thebolt hole 582 a. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 42 , thelinkage structure 580 defines a socket configured to engage with the protrudingportion 511 of thebase structure 510. - The degree of engagement between the socket (
FIG. 42 ) of thelinkage structure 580 and the protrudingportion 511 of thebase structure 510 can be set with a bolt engaged with thebolt hole 582 a of thelinkage structure 580 and the corresponding bolt hole of thebase structure 510. A pin may also be inserted in the pin hole 584 a to retain the bolt within thebolt hole 582 a while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move thelinkage structure 580 relative to thebase structure 510. In an example embodiment, turning the bolt in a first direction causes thelinkage structure 580 to move outwards and away from thebase structure 510. Conversely, turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes thelinkage structure 580 to move back towards thebase structure 510. In this manner, thereinforcement assembly 500 can accommodate the normal offset between the coolingpipe 300 and the probe 400 (e.g., normal offset of 320 mm±12.5 mm from axial centerlines). - As shown in
FIG. 40 , the side of thelinkage structure 580 opposite from the socket (FIG. 42 ) defines ahorizontal slot 586. Thehorizontal slot 586 is configured to receive a swing gate. Thehorizontal slot 586 is in a form of a T-slot, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, alternatively, thehorizontal slot 586 may be in a form of a dovetail slot. - Additionally, the
linkage structure 580 defines abolt hole 582 b extending axially through thelinkage structure 580. Thelinkage structure 580 also defines a pin hole 584 b extending orthogonally to (e.g., horizontally) and overlapping thebolt hole 582 b. The position of the swing gate within thehorizontal slot 586 of thelinkage structure 580 can be set with a bolt engaged with thebolt hole 582 b of thelinkage structure 580 and the corresponding bolt hole of the swing gate. A pin may be inserted in the pin hole 584 b to retain the bolt within thebolt hole 582 b while still permitting the bolt to be turned to move the swing gate relative to thelinkage structure 580. In an example embodiment, turning the bolt in a first direction causes the swing gate to protract from thehorizontal slot 586 oflinkage structure 580. Conversely, turning the bolt in an opposite second direction causes the swing gate to retract into thehorizontal slot 586 of thelinkage structure 580. In this manner, thereinforcement assembly 500 can accommodate the tangential offset between the coolingpipe 300 and the probe 400 (e.g., tangential offset of ±10 mm from axial centerlines). -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the swing gate of the reinforcement assembly ofFIG. 11 .FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the gate base of the swing gate ofFIG. 43 .FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the gate latch of the swing gate ofFIG. 43 . Referring toFIGS. 43-45 , thereinforcement assembly 500 may include aswing gate 590 configured to be connected to thebase structure 510 via thelinkage structure 580. Theswing gate 590 includes agate base 591 and agate latch 597 configured to open and close (e.g., to receive and stabilize a probe 400). Thegate base 591 defines abolt hole 593 and includesprojections 595 on its upper surface. Theprojections 595 may be integrally formed as part of thegate base 591. Alternatively, one or more of theprojections 595 may be in the form of a protruding pin that is interference fit within a hole in thegate base 591. - The
gate latch 597 defines abolt hole 598 andapertures 599 that correspond to theprojections 595 of thegate base 591. A bolt 596 is configured to engage with thebolt hole 598 of thegate latch 597 and thebolt hole 593 of thegate base 591 so as to function as a pivot. In an example embodiment, the bolt 596 may be a shoulder bolt, and a spring may be retained by the bolt 596 so as to apply a downward force on thegate latch 597, thereby helping to maintain a status quo of the swing gate 590 (e.g., a closed state). As a result, to open theswing gate 590, an upward force on the gate latch 597 (e.g., via a handle) is needed to compress the spring retained by the bolt 596 (and to clear the projections 595) before thegate latch 597 can be swung open. - The
gate base 591 of theswing gate 590 includes a portion in a form of a T-slide 594, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, alternatively, thegate base 591 of theswing gate 590 may include an end portion in a form of a dovetail slide. Thegate base 591 of theswing gate 590 also defines a bolt hole 592 (e.g., partially threaded bolt hole) that extends along and between the T-slides 594. In a non-limiting embodiment, only the portion of thebolt hole 592 between the two T-slides 594 is threaded (e.g., to reduce momentum from loads from the probe 400). Each of the T-slides 594 of thegate base 591 is configured to slidably engage with thehorizontal slot 586 of thelinkage structure 580. The position of theswing gate 590 within thehorizontal slot 586 of thelinkage structure 580 can be set with a bolt engaged with thebolt hole 582 b of thelinkage structure 580 and thebolt hole 592 of thegate base 591 of theswing gate 590. -
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a base structure and spacer according to an example embodiment.FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the base structure ofFIG. 46 .FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the spacer ofFIG. 46 with hidden lines. Referring toFIGS. 46-48 , a reinforcement assembly includes abase structure 510′ defining a spacer slot. Aspacer 530′ is configured to be received within the spacer slot so as to interlock with thebase structure 510′. In an example embodiment, thespacer 530′ is in a form of a monolithic structure. - While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/944,266 US10508758B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2018-04-03 | Reinforcement assembly for a bracket of a spent fuel pool |
JP2019069590A JP2019184601A (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2019-04-01 | Reinforcement assembly for bracket of spent fuel pool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/944,266 US10508758B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2018-04-03 | Reinforcement assembly for a bracket of a spent fuel pool |
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US20190301643A1 true US20190301643A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 |
US10508758B2 US10508758B2 (en) | 2019-12-17 |
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US15/944,266 Active 2038-06-08 US10508758B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2018-04-03 | Reinforcement assembly for a bracket of a spent fuel pool |
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JP (1) | JP2019184601A (en) |
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US8391437B2 (en) * | 2009-06-11 | 2013-03-05 | Ge-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, Llc | Jet pump riser brace clamp |
US8567353B2 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2013-10-29 | Ge-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas Llc | Assemblies and methods for securing a riser brace |
US8983018B2 (en) * | 2010-12-16 | 2015-03-17 | Ge-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas Llc | Method and apparatus for a riser pipe repair with compression |
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US10508758B2 (en) | 2019-12-17 |
JP2019184601A (en) | 2019-10-24 |
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